Races

Monday, July 14, 2014

Another fabulous week

I'm swim/bike/and running in 4 weeks and I'm so excited!!

This past week I:
•Swam once for 2000 yards. Was mad the storms came because I wanted to try an OWS.
•Ran once with a 6x 3.5 min walk/1.5 min run. And had no pain yippee!
•Cycled 6 times for 95 miles.
•Had 2 PT sessions for an hour each.

I started looking at sprint triathlon training plans to dial it in for the next 4 weeks but most of the ones I found were too easy or didn't seem to line up with what I am currently doing. I also can't deviate from my "return to run" program. So I decided to keep doing what I've been doing and just up the intensity/duration of my cycling and swimming. I do some bricks 3-4 times a week between cycling/running and cycling/swimming. I think I'm in a good place physically to feel confident and prepared for the triathlon on 8/10.

I have no expectations for the TRI other than HAVE FUN.

The full moon looked cool over the buildings earlier this week.

Saturday my plans to try my first OWS were thwarted by the polar vortex. I hope to go out after work for some laps later this week when I don't have to compete with lightning bolts.

I ended up cycling and then running Saturday morning indoors. The run felt good- 3.5 min walking/ 1.5 min run (repeat 6x) I think the Cankle issues are finally starting to go away for good. PT + being patient with recovery (and not rushing back into running), plus diligence with my at home PT exercises are making a world of difference. I don't log the time I spend doing my PT exercises at home but it's probably a minimum of 20-30 minutes a day.

I found this on the ground Saturday after our massage. What the heck is it? I've never seen anything like it in my life. Lol.

Saturday CB and I watched the Brasil game. I'm now bummed the World Cup is over but happy to not hear the "oooooo eeeee aaaaa" each time the coverage starts.

Sunday I rode outside. Figured I might as well start seeing how my gear feels on the road. I was excited to wear the pretty jersey Kim got me for my birthday :)

Cycling was as expected on a knobby wheeled hybrid bike. I've wrestled back and forth about getting slicks (tires), but decided I'd rather spend the money on a new road bike if I decide to pursue triathlons after August.

I tried out one of the 2 possible TRI shorts I bought (and would potentially wear) for Pleasant Prairie Triathlon and got chaffed in places I never knew existed. I cringed when thinking of how this might have felt had the shorts been wet from swimming first. I will try the other shorts soon to see if they are better. Fingers crossed!

After cycling 14.5 miles outside I cycled to the pool and got to wear this schweet skull swim cap Kim also gave me for my birthday. The older Chinese ladies at the pool were clearly intimidated by me. Hehe I'm convinced it made me faster and feel less out of breath for the 2000 yards...

Post cycling and swim, I felt like CB above. Exhausted. Woof.

After a brief nap, CB and I went to play some frisbee.

After 9.5 years he still has game.

And he melted my heart with his happiness.

We zonked out post frisbee and watched the Germany- Argentina game. CB chose Argentina to win but obviously he was wrong.

We closed up the weekend with one of my favorite beers and good memories.

Looking forward this week workout wise:

•I want to do at least 1 OWS.

•Complete level 3 of "return to running" by walk/running 3 times this week pain free.

You look positively fierce in your biking jersey and that swim cap! Kim has really great taste and you wear both items fabulously well! I am loving hearing about all the amazing progress you are making with your swimming and biking, brick workouts, and PT. So inspirational!!! ROAR!!!!!

You should use chafe cream/ body glide. You can use body glide (on your skin) and there is also special chafe cream (ex: Button Hole, Hoo Ha Cream, Chamois Butter) as well. It comes with the territory, and it will get better as you ride more consistently.

I love the things Kim gave you! What a nice friend! I chafe down there all the time...I use glide, but have heard from others that Vaseline works better. I can't bring myself to use that..it seems too swishy.

Thank you :) I'm just trying to stay positive especially this week- the week of my favorite Chicago race which unfortunately I won't be participating in this year. I'll try to get out and spectate Sunday and cheer for you.

Glad to see you able to run again!!!!! I look forward to high fives in the future. And I absolutely love the jersey and cap! TOO COOL!!!! I use Vaseline for chaffing, as it works much better for me! Great pics, great post. :-)

Introduction

Greetings! I'm Xaarlin, and live in Chicago with my husband and border collie dog, CB. I am an accountant by day and enjoy running, discovering new craft beers, learning Portuguese, eating/cooking delicious foods and spending time with my family when off the clock. I use this space to talk about life, running, and anything else that interests me. Mikkeller Run Club Chicago Captain. Untappd:Xaarlin